T-Up programme to expand to Trade Associations and Chambers in 2023
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THE Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading (T-Up) programme will be made available for Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) to tap on from Jan 1, 2023 - and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) already intends to second five researchers to five TACs next year.
More than 1,000 scientists have been seconded to over 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) since the launch of T-Up in 2003. Through T-Up, A*Star research scientists and engineers are seconded to SMEs, where they share their expertise in research and development (R&D) and innovation projects.
The latest move was announced during the SME Tech Day event held in conjunction with the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology on Oct 28 (Friday), organised by A*Star in support of Enterprise Singapore.
“Increasingly, TACs will play an important role in the T-Up ecosystem,” noted Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng, who delivered a recorded speech at the event. “TAC members will be able to engage A*STAR researchers to identify their technological gaps, develop a technology roadmap, and formulate R&D plans to solve common industry problem statements collaboratively. “
This year’s SME Tech Day also saw the introduction of the inaugural T-Up Eagles awards, which recognise promising students from the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) for their achievements and contributions to local companies during their work attachments.
The Eagles awards come as part of the T-Up Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP), launched 2 years ago, which saw 16 SIT students work closely with A*Star secondees.
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Speaking on the Eagles awards winners, Dr. Tan said: “I hope their stories will galvanise more SMEs to tap the T-Up-IWSP to build a strong talent pipeline in collaboration with A*STAR and SIT.”
In this year’s SME Tech Day, a total of 6 researchers were recognised for their exceptional contributions under the T-Up Excellence awards and Emerging Talent awards - while 4 SIT students received the Eagles award.
Together with fellow innovation and enterprise agencies, A*Star is committed to helping SMEs stay competitive in this climate of economic uncertainty through R&D and innovation, noted Professor Tan Sze Wee, assistant chief executive of innovation and enterprise at A*Star.
“I hope our initiatives will give local companies a boost in their innovation capacity to create new products and services and meet the global demand for sustainable solutions,” Tan added.
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